House Science, Space, and Technology Committee Chairman Brian Babin announced on July 21 that the committee passed four bipartisan bills aimed at strengthening America’s research enterprise, improving public safety, supporting domestic energy development, and reinforcing U.S. leadership in critical and emerging technologies.
The committee approved H.R. 3168, the National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program Reauthorization Act of 2025; H.R. 8437, the Geo POWER Act; H.R. 9326, the Utilize Standards for All Act; and H.R. 8981, the SCALE Biology Act.
“America’s leadership depends on our ability to anticipate tomorrow’s challenges while investing in tomorrow’s opportunities,” said Chairman Brian Babin. “These bipartisan bills strengthen public safety, support American energy, promote U.S. leadership in global standards, and advance the research that will shape the future. I thank my colleagues for working together to move this legislation forward.”
H.R. 3168 is designed to strengthen earthquake early warning systems and expand detection capabilities by modernizing hazard reduction through updated building standards and hazard mapping, as well as expanding earthquake research with improved federal coordination among state, local, and tribal partners.
H.R. 8437 seeks to accelerate next-generation geothermal energy development through demonstration projects while supporting innovative technologies and promoting data sharing related to geothermal resources.
H.R. 9326 aims to advance U.S. leadership in global artificial intelligence standards by connecting federal agencies with industry stakeholders to increase participation in international standards development efforts.
Finally, H.R. 8981 focuses on advancing biotechnology innovation through improved measurement science and standards while strengthening collaboration between NIST (National Institute of Standards and Technology), industry participants, and research partners.